Positive Health Online

Abstract

PLATEL and SRINIVASAN, Department of Biochemistry & Nutrition, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, India, have reviewed (48 references) the reputed stimulating action of spices on the digestive system. Abstract: Spices have long been recognized for their digestive stimulant action; indeed, several spices are used in medicinal preparations against digestive disorders in traditional medicine. Until fairly recently, the evidence for digestive stimulant actions of spices has been anecdotal and empirical. More recently, animal studies have shown that many spices induce higher secretion of bile acids that play a vital role in fat digestion and absorption. Dietary spices produce significant stimulation of pancreatic lipase, amylase and proteases. Some spices also have been shown to have beneficial effect on the terminal digestive enzymes of small intestinal mucosa. Concomitant with such a stimulation of digestive functions by these spices, leading to an accelerated digestion, a reduction in the food transit time in the gastrointestinal tract has also been shown. Thus, the digestive stimulant action of spices seems to be mediated through two possible modes: (i) by stimulating the liver to secrete bile rich in bile acids, components that are vital for fat digestion and absorption, and (ii) by a stimulation of enzyme activities that are responsible for digestion.

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References

Platel K, Srinivasan K. Digestive stimulant action of spices: a myth or reality? Indian Journal of Medical Research 119(5): 167-179, May 2004.